Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Yesterday's agenda included embellishing and monogramming a few burp cloths for a sweet new baby. As the day unfolded, it became the only thing on the agenda. During several moments, I was the one doing some serious spitting, sputtering and fuming!

It has been awhile since I used the embroidery feature of my sewing machine, and it evidently decided to teach me a thing or two. Or, at least test my patience.

I am not one to upgrade each time a new machine is introduced. My Husqvarna Viking Designer I still uses those obsolete things called floppy disks to transfer the design from the computer to the machine. That means plugging an external disk drive into the computer, since my computer no longer even accepts floppy disks. We evidently replace computers more often than sewing machines around here!

After finally getting everything set up, or so I thought, all I received were error messages.

The thought occurred to read the instructions. Maybe I had forgotten some important step.

After digging through my sewing room, finding many other treasures in the process, I ultimately found the user's guide to my embroidery software.

No enlightment there.

A call to my dealer provided no clues, either.

Except to shell out several hundred dollars for new software.

No, I don't think so.

The search for the user's guide also provided the embroidery software CD.

At that point, what did I have to lose?

I decided to remove the software from my computer, and reinstall it.

Don't ask me why, but it worked!

It only took six hours, five cans of Diet Coke (the sixth drink, if needed, would definitely have been something much stronger), one bag of Ghirardelli Sea Salt Soiree dark chocolate squares, and two broken fingernails.But, the monogram was finally transferred to a floppy and headed toward my machine!

In the end, there are three monogrammed burp cloths!

Today, I am off to one of my least favorite destinations: the dentist.

I actually like my dentist and all his office staff. They are almost like family.

I am just not fond of the pain sometimes incurred.

After yesterday, I am thinking a day of drilling is nothing.

I am pretty sure no fingernails will be broken while sitting in a chair.

And please, let's just keep my Diet Coke and chocolate addiction between us.

10
comments:

Hi Jan,What an experience! I'm glad you finally got it figured out. I think I'll have the same problem as you. I have an HV D1, an external floppy disc drive, but I have a Mac, not a PC. I've installed Parallels so I can run Windows 7, but haven't installed the embroidery software yet. I'm with you, I don't want to trade in the sewing machine for a new one for some time yet.

Your post has me laughing.I'm sure at the time you didn't find the problem funny, but your description is hilarious!After yesterday's adventure, the trip to the dentist today will most likely seem like a trip to the spa.

Jan,I have had the same problem problem with my D1 - and I am still using the original Customizing Software!And I spent today at the Dentist'shaving a root canal - it still doesn't feel right!You have some beautiful embroidery for all of your trouble!

I think about you often and always say a little prayer for you and your family.

Our daughter Genny, is recovering nicely, and all is pretty much back to normal in Memphis. Chris

I had that happen a few years ago and it caused me to buy a new machine. Mine was because newer computers do not have serial ports. I did find a converter from serial port to usb and have used it. I totally understand your woes!! Great work now that it is done though!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I am a wife and mother. I am the granddaughter of Bessie and daughter of Mary: two women who passed down to me their love of needlework. Now, I see their hands and continue to feel their unwavering love and guidance with each stitch that my hands make. I love hydrangeas, peonies, poppies and periwinkle blue. There is a soft place in my heart for things showing age. Perhaps because I pray to still be cherished when I grow old.